Backpacking is one of the best ways to experience the world’s beauty, adventure, and culture — but to truly enjoy it, you need to be well-prepared. From essential gear to the peace of mind that reliable travel insurance can provide, here’s everything a backpacker needs for a smooth and safe journey.
1. Backpack Essentials for Stress-Free Travelling
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Choosing the Right Backpack: Let’s start with the basics – a reliable backpack is your ultimate travel companion. For short weekend getaways or city explorations, a 30-50 litre pack is ideal. If you're heading out on a longer journey of up to a week, consider a 50-70 litre backpack. Keep in mind, bigger isn’t always better; a large pack can tempt you to overpack, which you may regret when trekking up steep trails. Choose a trusted brand with a reputation for durability and waterproof materials, check reviews and comparisons, and look for a model that combines functionality, resilience, and style.
- Find the Right Fit: A properly fitted backpack should feel like part of you, not a heavy load. Start by measuring your torso length—from the prominent bone at the base of your neck to the top of your hip bones. When trying on a backpack, begin with the hip belt; it should sit on your hip bones, not your waist, with the padding snug around your hips and the buckle centred over your belly button. This is where most of the weight should rest. Finally, adjust the shoulder straps so they fit comfortably without carrying the full load.
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Adaptability: A quality backpack should suit various types of trips—whether it’s casual, business, or adventure travel. Look for a model that performs well in diverse environments.
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Buy from Trusted Sources: Purchase from reliable sources, like the brand’s official website, to ensure authenticity and avoid counterfeits.
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Key Features to Look For: Focus on the backpack's features to ensure it meets your travel needs. Multiple compartments keep items organised, and water resistance is essential to protect your belongings from rain. Comfort features are crucial, so look for padded, adjustable shoulder straps, a sturdy hip belt to evenly distribute weight, and a ventilated back panel to minimise sweating. Security is also key—many backpacks now include hidden pockets, RFID-blocking compartments, and slash-resistant materials, offering extra peace of mind in busy areas.
- Packing Cubes: These keep your clothes and gear organised, making life on the road easier.
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Reusable Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is crucial, especially when you’re constantly on the go.
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Money Belt or Waist Bag: Keeping documents and cash secure is vital. Consider a small, discreet money belt or waist bag that fits comfortably under your clothes, providing a secure place for your passport, cards, and cash. This will help avoid stress related to lost documents or theft.
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Padlock: Always bring a padlock to secure your backpack when leaving it unattended in a hostel or when travelling. A combination lock is preferable to avoid losing keys.
2. Documents and Security Checklist
- Passport & Visas: Make copies of your documents and store them in a secure, waterproof pouch.
- Travel Insurance Documents: Gigasure simplifies travel insurance with our app, giving you quick and easy access to all policy documents, the ability to manage your cover, and a quick way to submit claims anytime, anywhere.
- Backup Funds: Always have a mix of cash and digital options like prepaid travel cards.
Pro Tip: With Gigasure’s Backpacker Insurance, unexpected delays don’t have to ruin your adventure. Our Gigashield cover helps with compensation for flight delays and luggage mishaps.
3. Clothing for All Conditions
- Quick-Dry Clothes: Lightweight, moisture-wicking clothes are ideal for backpackers—they dry quickly and take up minimal space.
- Weather-Appropriate Gear: Pack waterproof jackets and warm layers to prepare for all kinds of weather.
- Versatile Clothing: Pack clothes that can be layered, mixed, and matched. Look for quick-drying, odour-resistant fabrics that are durable enough to withstand wear and tear.
- Comfortable Footwear: Sturdy shoes are a must. Bring lightweight walking shoes with strong soles—these are more flexible than heavy walking boots, especially in hot climates. Also, bring a pair of flip-flops for showers or beach days.
- Sarong: A simple piece of cloth that’s versatile—a sarong can be used as a skirt, shawl, sheet, quick-drying towel, or to cover up when visiting religious places.
- Raincoat: A compact, waterproof raincoat is essential, even if you're visiting during the summer. Rain showers can happen unexpectedly.
- Extra Socks and Underwear: Pack enough for each day of your trip, plus a few extra pairs for emergencies. Clean socks and underwear are crucial to staying comfortable while on the move.
Adventure Sports cover: Gigasure offers flexible options for a variery of activities. The Boost feature available in the Gigasure app allows you to upgrade your policy for a limited time to cover you for the duration of your planned activity. Please check your policy documents ahead of your travel to make sure you are covered for all the activities you have planned.
4. Health and Safety Must-Haves While Backpacking Abroad
- Basic First Aid Kit: Pack band-aids, antiseptic wipes, painkillers, and any prescription medications.
- Travel Insurance with Medical cover: Medical emergencies abroad can be overwhelming. Gigasure’s Backpacker Insurance covers emergency medical expenses, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trip.
- Vaccinations & Health Precautions: Research any vaccinations or health precautions required for each destination.
- Global Search and Rescue cover: This is a safety net included in our Backpackers insurance Max plan. If you face a life-threatening situation while traveling, like getting lost in the wilderness or having a serious accident in a remote area, this benefit can help cover the costs associated with professional search and rescue teams locating and assisting you. It can provide peace of mind knowing you have additional resources available in case of an emergency abroad.
- Hand Sanitiser: An absolute essential for maintaining hygiene, especially after using questionable facilities.
24/7 Emergency Assistance: Gigasure’s emergency assistance is available 24/7 when you add it to your policy, ensuring help is only a call away when you need it most.
5. Travel-Friendly Gadgets
- Power Bank: Essential for keeping your devices charged, especially in remote locations. It is recommended to get a solar charging power bank if you plan to spend a long time in the wilderness exploring.
- Portable Wi-Fi or SIM Card: Staying connected is key for safety and navigation. Gigasure’s policies include optional gadget cover for extra protection.
- Headlamp: Useful for camping trips, night hikes, or reading when others are trying to sleep. It keeps your hands free and is a reliable light source.
- Earplugs & Sleep Mask: Lifesavers during long bus rides or stays in noisy hostels.
- International Plug Adaptor: A must-have for keeping your gadgets charged. Ensure it covers all the countries you're visiting.
6. Insurance for Unexpected Travel Mishaps
- Trip Disruption and Delays: Unforeseen delays can create ripple effects. Gigasure’s travel disruption benefits cover unexpected airport delays, keeping your journey stress-free. This travel disruption feature, called GigaShield Flight Delay and Baggage Delay, is a real-time cash benefit that can be activated through the Gigasure app and provides cover for delayed flights and baggage.
- Global Search and Rescue: For the adventurous, our Max plan includes search and rescue support, ensuring you’re protected when venturing off the beaten path and things go wrong.
- Flexible cover for Activities: Planning to add winter sports or a cruise to your itinerary? With Gigasure, you can easily add cover post-purchase, paying only for what you need.
7. Tips for Responsible Backpacking
- Eco-Friendly Products: Use reusable shopping bags, biodegradable toiletries, and avoid single-use plastics.
- Respect Local Etiquette: Be mindful of customs. Learning a few phrases in the local language can make a big difference.
- Protect Your Valuables: Always lock your bags and stay vigilant in crowded areas.
Why Travel Insurance Should Be at the Top of Your Checklist
From Adventure Sports to unexpected medical needs, Gigasure offers a range of customisable cover levels tailored to your unique travel style. Designed with modern backpackers in mind, our policies offer flexibility, ease of management via the Gigasure app, and peace of mind wherever your adventures take you.
What Makes Gigasure Different?
- Digital Claim Management: Submit claims through the Gigasure app easily wherever you are.
- Adventure Sports Ready: Cover options available for a wide variety of activities like snorkelling, bungee jumping, or skiing.
- Flexible Add-Ons: We offer a mix of permanent and temporary Boosts for you to choose from. With the temporary Boosts you only pay for the length of time you need the cover for, saving you money. Simply access the Boost feature in the app and upgrade your cover effortlessly.
- Gigasure app: Your travel companion that allows you to:
- View and update your policy details anytime
- Activate your GigaShield Flight and Baggage Delay benefits (if included in your policy)
- Boost your policy on the go
- Renew your policy
- Reach our Customer Care Team instantly (M-F 9:00 to 17:00)
- Access and download your documents on the go
- Buy Car Hire Excess Insurance for your rented vehicle
- Make a claim
Commonly Asked Questions about Backpacker Insurance
- What does Backpackers Insurance cover?
- Emergency Medical Expenses
- Global Search and Rescue (Backpackers Max cover only)
- Personal Accident and Liability protection
- Cancellation
- Personal Belongings and Baggage
- Travel Disruption, including GigaShield benefits
- Participation in over 120 Sports and Activities automatically
- Temporary Boosts which allow you to activate cover for Winter Sports, Cruise and Golf for 1 to 4 weeks on the move
- Up to 3 visits back home to the UK during your trip
- A variety of excess options to suit your budget
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Can I extend my Backpackers Insurance while travelling? Yes! Gigasure makes it easy to extend your policy, even if you’re already on your trip. Please ensure you read the policy terms and conditions.
- Is gadget cover Included? Our Core plan offers an optional gadget cover that can be included during the policy purchasing process. The Backpackers Max plan includes Gadget Plus cover by default.
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What Adventure Sports are covered by my policy? Our Backpackers Max cover automatically includes Adventure Sports and Activities cover (please check the policy document for the full list of activities). With Backpackers Core cover, Adventure Sports and Activities cover can be added to your policy when purchasing it or by adding as a permanent post-purchase Boost through the Gigasure app. You can find full details of the terms and conditions that apply in the policy wording.
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What are post-purchase Boosts and how can I activate them? Our post-purchase Boosts provide additional benefits that can be activated through the Gigasure app once your Backpackers Travel Insurance policy begins. Our selection includes:
- Permanent Boosts for Backpackers Core cover like Adventure Sports and Activities, Extended Travel Disruption, and Gadget Plus, which provide cover for the entire trip duration once activated. These are included as standard in our Backpackers Max cover.
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Temporary Boosts, such as Winter Sports, Cruise, and Golf Cover, bookable for a limited period to protect you during specific activities without paying for unnecessary cover if you don't need it for the full trip.
Get Your Gigasure Backpacker Insurance Today
An epic journey starts with peace of mind. Choose Gigasure, and let us cover the unpredictable while you focus on creating memories that will last a lifetime. Get covered before your next adventure and ensure a hassle-free experience.
Get Your Gigasure Backpacker Insurance Here and feel secure on every adventure.
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